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By Hank Walker | Pastor at Peach City Fellowship

In the Ordo Salutis (the Order of Salvation), the doctrine of ADOPTION immediately follows the doctrine of justification. In many ways, this doctrine helps define what it is to be Christians—Christians who are eternally secure as “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17).

The Bible often borrows concepts from human culture to make difficult theological concepts easier to grasp. Adoption is just one of those concepts.

It might surprise the reader to know that in the ancient world, adoption was quite different from today. CHILDREN were NEVER adopted! As detailed in the “Roman-Syrian Lawbook,” adoption was meant to provide a proven, qualified, adult heir to a person of power and means. It was such a high-level legal action that it was irrevocable. For instance, Roman parents could disown or even kill their natural-born children with impunity—not so with adoption; an adopted son immediately had all the rights and privileges of his adoptive father. Adoption was so important in Rome that MOST of the Caesars were adopted to their thrones.

So, how does this translate to the Christian doctrine of adoption?

First, adoption for the believer is IRREVOCABLE. We are absolutely secure in our salvation because of our vital union with Christ through adoption. Consider these words: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as HE CHOSE US IN HIM before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love, He predestined us FOR ADOPTION to Himself as SONS through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of HIS will” (Eph. 1:3-5).

Second, with adoption, comes the assurance of an INHERITANCE: “In him we have obtained an INHERITANCE, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of HIS will” (Eph. 1:11).

Finally, this inheritance is absolutely GUARANTEED—having been “sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the GUARANTEE of our INHERITANCE until we acquire possession of it” (Eph. 1:13b-14a).

Have YOU trusted in Christ? Are YOU an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ? Do YOU have absolute confidence that YOU are in Christ and have been adopted into His kingdom? I pray that YOU have.

Grace and peace, y’all. Soli Deo Gloria